Summer Solstice Shindig 2021

Thanks to everyone who joined us at our 4th Annual Summer Solstice Shindig on Saturday, June 19. We were so lucky to have good weather allowing us to continue to have live music on the outdoor Redbud Stage. With a fair-weather sunset and sweet breeze that set the mood for what turned out to be one of those “right place/ right time/ right music/right folks” scenarios — when it’s all” right” it’s magically palpable.

The day started out with a motorcycle show on the grounds of Bert Driver Nursery and ended with live music from two regional bands. From a very select group of motorcycle owners who chose to exhibit, the top three winners all took home beautiful “Treephies”. That’s no typo! They won actual Cherokee Princess Dogwood trees! What a hoot! There will definitely be repeats of motorcycle-related events … stay tuned.

Butch Sondergroth had his unlimited access to “all things motorcycle” with his Butch’s Cycle Parts display and brought along his Georgia compadre, Chastain Brand and his young family. Chastain does freehand pinstriping/lettering. We were privileged to have him onsite doing his unique art on helmets, bikes, etc. in real time. He’s one of the best, folks!

Oh yes, the music … Let me preface by saying that when the Burlap Bus rolled up with a “full load” of celebrants just as the opening act hit the stage, it certainly moved the “Woohoo level” significantly up the scale. Long-term Burlapper Bill Harpole (with wife, Mary Ann’s assistance) chose to celebrate his birthday with us, and brought along a busload of his best friends. Thanks Bill/Mary Ann — You made our night even more special!

Upper Cumberland’s Soulfissh did covers from Stevie Wonder to an outstanding rendition of Dobie Gray’s Drift Away (and we did). They primed us all for the East Nash Grass, who kicked it up a notch with their bluegrass with an edge, soulful fresh renditions of bluegrass standards to their newly released single recordings Country Blue and Mountain Bluebird — both off their soon-to-be released self-titled CD. These young pickers are hot — Catch ‘em while you can!

(James Kee and Cory Walker will be crankin’ ‘em out as members of the house band at the 50th anniversary Smithville Jamboree on July 2, 3, 4.)

TAKO Hibachi Truck made their debut at the Burlap Room with their wide variety of sushi rolls, hibachi rice dishes, ramen, and noodle dishes. We hope they join us again at one of our future events. Tio’s Taco Truck was open as well. There was something for everyone’s taste along with a wide variety of local craft beers to quench the thirsts of the 21 and older crowd.

Got to do a shoutout to the Bert Driver’s Burlap Room Staff & Team — From Ranson Johnson, our rock-solid sound engineer to Michael, Rob and the Security Team to Tio and family, and the fireworks squad, and the many other dedicated folks involved in what we do! All of us here share one objective and that’s to provide a safe, carefree environment for you (and us) and a few hours of real freedom from all that’s going on “out there.”